Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab)

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Generic Name

hydrocodone/acetaminophen

Trade Name

Vicodin, Lortab, Norco

Indication

management of moderate to severe pain

Action

alters the perception and reaction to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the CNS, also suppresses the cough reflex

Therapeutic Class

opioid Analgesic, allergy, cold and cough remedies, antitussive

Pharmacologic Class

opioid agonists, nonopioid analgesic combinations

Nursing Considerations

• use caution with concurrent use of MAOI – avoid use within 14 days of each other • hypotension – monitor hemodynamics and respirations after administering • may increase ICP use caution with head trauma • Narcan (nalaxone) is the antidote for overdose • DO NOT exceed 4g of acetaminophen per day